Goa gives you mixed feelings. If you can tolerate the heat, you can truly enjoy this place. Had been on a study tour to Goa. yeah right! One might wonder what one could seriously do other than have fun at Goa. But it truly is a land that speaks of a quaint heritage. We visited the prison, the Naval Base, the Big Foot Museum, St. Xavier’s Church and the Arapora Night Market, so it was a truly educational experience.
The almost 6 hour journey by train is not so bad especially if you are with a bunch of fun loving people, who enjoy playing Dumb charades, Antakshari and other fun stuff. A good idea would be to take some snacks and food along with you, but you do have occassional vendors selling eatables on the train.
We stayed at a place called Vagator in a Guest House named Martinet House and I must say the place is reasonable, safe and a comfortable one. It gives you the happy vibes of Goa as the beach is about a 20 minute walk down the lane. The Chronicle was a heavenly shack on the beach and if you are planning to dance the night away, there’s an experienced DJ who’s willing to entertain you with some lively music. The Guest house was surrounded by many shops that sold lovely dresses at a very very reasonable price.
Food too is available in nearby tiny kiosks and if want to save your money, you can opt to eat here.
Transportation facilities are a must and it would be advisable to hire vans or cars.
Another fun transportation option is hiring a two- wheeler to roam around the city. It is reasonable
Dono Paula Beach has a flea market that has reasonable goodies from sunglasses to t-shirts that are dirt cheap.
But don’t expect aroyal treatment form the shopkeepers as I personally found most of them indifferent and at times rude.
But the crowd in Goa is pretty chilled out and you are left on your own to do whatever you want.
So fun, sun and history? You’ll get it all at Goa!